2 March 2012– Chipua girls performed at 11 secondary schools in Dar es Salaam. The objective was to raise an awareness on girl circumcision through a theatrical performance, very befittingly called “The power of expression”. The secondary schools that have watched the play are: Magomeni, Baptist, Cambridge, Mbezi beach, Green acre, Cornelius, Kijitonyama, Lauriat International School, Kenton, Mwambao and Hananasif.It was amazing to see girls who just a few months ago were not aware of their basic rights, play in front of hundreds of students who would cheer at them and love them for their courage to say “no” to circumcision and domestic violence. Said the project coordinator.“Even though children read about these issues in their texts, but to watch it in a play filled with emotions will have significant impact on the minds of our young students”, said Mr John, principal at Cornelius secondary school. “This was very good, we hope they can come and perform again” said, Ms Faith, headmistress at Cambridge high school. Students found the performances very educative and informative as some of the students had no idea why female circumcision was a violation of human rights, “now that I have learned about this backward practice, it should be wiped off the face of the earth”, said one of the boy students at Mbezi Beach Secondary School.The drama starts with eight or so girls carrying the dead bodies of two girls who have just died due to circumcision complications. The story continues with a public gathering where parents are informed to bring their daughters for the next round of circumcision and that is when Susan and Jamila dare to say “no”, they are not willing to under go with the procedure. The aim of the play is to give a message to the girls that if they help each other and show solidarity they will be able to educate their community and set them free of this practice. Another message is to the parents that they should not undermine their children’s basic human rights, rather communicate with their children in order to understand their feelings and fears. The project was funded by FORWARD UK.

“Now that I have learned about this backward practice, it should be wiped off the face of the earth”, said one of the boy students at Mbezi Beach Secondary School.